Africa Adoption Fundraiser T-Shirts!

Shirts to help with adoption costs! Dark brown shirts highlighting the plight of orphans in Africa. $20 each or BUY FOUR - GET ONE FREE! Amazing design. CHILDREN - XS (2-4), S (6-8), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (16-18) ADULT S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL. Only $6.00 shipping for out of town or FREE SHIPPING on FOUR SHIRTS OR MORE!

Pay me directly or via Paypal with the DONATE BUTTON on this blog. Be sure you specify sizes ordered. (If you can pay me directly, that will save us some fees - every bit helps, but do what is easiest!)

Every penny will help us. We have a LONG way to go for the funds we need...a LONG way to go!

I'll be placing the first order in the next few days, so if you can pre-pay that will help! Also, FBCK folks or mutual friends of the O'Learys - we will split any profits with them, so you will be helping both of our families by purchasing a shirt(s)!

Send me a message via FB, comment on this blog, or e-mail me with any questions!

And, yes, your name will be added to the chain of people answering the puzzle of how God will bring this adoption to come to pass! Thank you!

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40

The 10/40 Window...Or is it the 4 - 14 Window?

It's sad to admit, but until recently I'd never heard of the 10/40 window. As a Christian, this grieves me because frankly, I should have. What is it, you ask? The 10/40 Window is an area of the world that contains the largest population of non-Christians in the world. The area extends from 10 degrees to 40 degrees North of the equator, and stretches from North Africa across to China.

Upon learning more about his region, my heart has been burdened for this part of the world. The Perspectives Course that Reid and I are completing next week has postured our hearts for our lives to be more and more about God's missional work.

One of the speakers pointed out, "The Bible is not the basis for missions, but missions is the basis of the Bible because our God is a missional God...sending his own son for us!" (Little did I know that even our adoption t-shirt would be a reminder of this!)

The speaker last night, Mike Pollard, delivered a challenging talk and even went so far as to say, "If people don't love missions, it's a spiritual problem!" After listing the reasons not to love missions - selfishness, ignorance, materialism, inconvenience, etc... I had to agree. Ouch!

Then Mr. Pollard listed the four different ways we could involve ourselves with missions -
1.) Going - short-term or long-term
2.) Sending - offering financial support to make it happen
3.) Welcoming - caring for missionaries on the field and upon returning home
4.) Mobilizing - multiplying the missionaries for Christ

He quoted John Piper to say, ""Go, send, or disobey." To which I would add another John Piper quote, "Missions is the overflow of our delight in God because missions is the overflow of God's delight in being God."

When Mike spoke of Mobilizing, he said the most important people to mobilize are our children! THE 4-14 WINDOW! Between the ages of 4 - 14 is when most people choose to live for Christ. This is the most valuable time to teach our children about the God of the universe - only 10 short years! It is this same age range where many determine their choice to live missional lives for Him as well! What a short amount of time! Reid and I realized that THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO WITH OUR BOYS! Mobilizing them for Christ! Parents - RISE UP! Train your children by living it out yourselves! Children need to see that it is important to you, and not simply something that is discussed on Sunday mornings!

Whenever I read Mason's blog, I am awe-struck that he "gets it!" As a 13 year old! Whoa! Oh, how I wish I'd understood at his age. Here I am, nearly 41 years old, finally clearly recognizing the purpose for my short breath of life! Forgive me Lord for the wasted time! My life is a vapor!

God has been sweet to let me also clearly recognize that Reid and I have intentionally exposed our children to each of these four aspects for missionary hearts:
1.) Going - taking them on our first Family Mission trip last summer to Club 180, and going again in a few months! Driving downtown for the Water Angels service to the homeless! Going doesn't have to be far from home!
2.) Sending - just this week, supporting Uncle Adam in his 100 mile bike ride for Blood Water Missions where each of the boys gave their own money. Supporting and praying for missionaries as we read their newsletters at our kitchen table during dinner.
3.) Welcoming - creating care-packages and mailing them to missionaries overseas. We have been privileged that relationships have sprouted from this effort of encouragement. Having the boys write letters to missionaries or others needing encouragement.
4.)Mobilizing - finally recognizing that all of the above is multiplying missionaries for Christ! How often our boys challenge Reid and me in our complacency! They live for Christ NOW!

This sense of urgency is unshakable. I must live it all and give it all for the one who gave it all for me! Everything.

The verse Reid and I have prayed for our boys has been Psalm 144:12, "Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace." (Perhaps a daughter will come through this adoption, who knows? Actually, God knows, but we are still unclear.)

A few weeks ago, my friend Kristie posted the following on her blog. She copied it from another blog, but it's a challenge for us as parents to mobilize our children. Kristie also challenged the women of our church with this at our women's retreat this past weekend.

I'm seeing our prayer lived out as we are beginning to see our sons in their youth to be as grown up plants. I pray as you read, The Greenhouse Effect, you will have the same vision to mobilize your own "4-14 Window" children.

In a greenhouse, a seed is planted.It is nurtured under the right temperature.It's given the correct amount of light, until a seed cover pops off and a tiny plant emerges....Healthy, strong and growing under the influence of the house it is in.The only problem is the greenhouse has not prepared the plant for adversity.In our community I see so many kids, my own included, that are raised in the greenhouse conditions.Perfect amount of schooling. Perfect amount of socializing. Perfect amount of church. Perfect amount of friends and only "like minded friends".We pay for our kids to go to the best violin teachers, voice teachers, piano teachers.Then they will, Lord willing, get married to someone who has been raised in a greenhouse right down the road under the same perfect conditions.They start their own greenhouse and are happy.Of course, they're happy. Their whole life has been about being comfortable in their greenhouse.My heart breaks when I think about all the trouble we go through raising our kids in the right conditions, teaching them Bible verses, making sure they know all the right truths. BUT...They never feel inclined to make a difference in the world.Sometimes it is lack of passion.Sometimes it is lack of knowledge that there is a lost and dying world right outside their greenhouse. But more often, it is our fault as parents. We are passing down our laziness. We struggle to LIVE out our faith so our kids will struggle. Yes, they will thrive in our greenhouse and most of them will pass on a great greenhouse life to their children, but we have to pass on a love for ALL of God's people. We have to be willing to stand with our children and help a lost world. We have to pass down a passion for the orphans of this world, the homeless and the widows.Yes, we have to grow strong plants for the next generation but we cannot forget the passion of Christ. Teaching our children to love and be keepers of the home is what I am about, but I also want them to be about the orphans and the needy that are NOT growing in a greenhouse. I can only teach that when I come out of the greenhouse and go with my children into the battlefield. It is all in vain if we raise up an army and our army is never sent to the battlefield but only to the greenhouse next door.

Wordless Wednesday

Living again a day from 4 years ago

Never again will I explain this, but I'm borrowing this idea from another blog...setting aside Wednesday to post pictures that need no explanation. I love our 6 year old playing in our backyard mud puddle!

Yard Sale #2

When we're desperate for money, we will do anything! Sooooo....we're having another Yard Sale to help offset adoption costs on May 15th. Here's the scoop:

SAVE YOUR STUFF! Another yard sale is planned for May 15th to help us with adoption costs. If you have anything you would like to donate, please let me know! This sale is being hosted by our precious friends, the VonHagens and will be located at 12339 Butternut Circle in Farragut. We still have a VERY long way to go, so any help is appreciated! Also, our second home study interview is tonight so prayers are greatly welcomed! Thanks friends - you have been a HUGE blessing!

From A 13 Year Old

Just finished reading Mason's blog and am asking myself,



If a 13 year old "gets it" -

why do I forget so easily?


http://godsgenerationisnow.blogspot.com/

God's Chosen Generation Is Now

This is one of the days that I rejoice in being a mother to incredible children. Mason, our oldest son, thirteen years old, has started a blog. His desire is to provide a place of encouragement for today's youth and ask them to rise up.

What has Mason titled his blog? God's Chosen Generation

http://godsgenerationisnow.blogspot.com/

Why did Mason start it? Here's his first post which contains the answer.

What is this? That is a very good question. I am still figuring that out myself. Lately I have really been awakened to God and the reality of another world. One thing I have struggled with though is that I haven't had much Godly encouragement from my peers. I want this blog to be a place where Godly encouragement can be found, but also to call up this generations youth.

As I read his post from today, I couldn't believe the challenge that my thirteen year old placed before me! Arise! Arise!

God and Myself

Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.

Ephesians 5:14

Over the past few weeks, I've immersed myself in planning a talk for our upcoming women's retreat. God has planned the entire weekend, I'm certain. After praying for our church one day in my bedroom, I stood up and immediately saw steps...then footsteps...and each step connoted movement in a specific direction. In a moment He gave me a vision containing the topics for the four sessions:

Step In...To Relationship With Me

Step Away...From Sin

Step Out...Of Comfort

Step Up...To Serve

The theme of the weekend will be to live life "In Step...With God"

Interestingly, the Lord also gave me three names of women to speak. There was only one talk that I wasn't sure about. However, a friend that was organizing the retreat said that perhaps she could give the talk, "Step Away...From Sin." My response? Yes, that would be wonderful. Why don't you begin praying and planning.

Several days later, however, a strange feeling began to overtake me. "Robin, YOU are supposed to give the talk about stepping away from sin." Me, Lord? Yes.

I began to have a gnawing inside that lets me know the Holy Spirit is prompting me to do something. I knew God was asking me to do this. But, honestly, I did not want to! This was not a topic I would ever choose to speak on, given the choice. The more time that passed, the more I realized God was asking this of me.

"Well Lord, if you really want me to do this, then you will have to let my friend know that she is not supposed to do it. I certainly don't want to call her and say, 'I think I'm supposed to do it instead of you.'" Even as I prayed that, I almost hoped that God was telling my friend that she was to give the talk. Perhaps I wasn't hearing God correctly?!?

Surprise, surprise. When I spoke to my friend and asked her how her preparation was coming, guess what she said, "I've been praying, but I think there is someone else that's supposed to give this talk. God's telling me no." Yes, Lord. I've heard you.

As I said, the last few weeks, I've been pouring over scripture, praying, searching, listening to sermons, and reading many books about the vast subject of sin. In all of the talks I've given, I've never studied this much before sharing. God's presence has been evident, and as I've studied an overwhelming sense of grief, sadness, loss, and pain has affected me as I've reflected on sin. Literally, I've wept tears.

The message God has given me for Saturday is heavy and uncomfortable. Praying for a different direction has led to an answer that the heaviness is what God desires. How we scoff at sin and mock our God! Therefore, I step forward with fear and trepidation to share what God has laid on my heart. Unapologetically, however, I must deliver it in obedience to the holy God we serve.

This morning, I read this prayer out of the Valley of Vision. I pray we will pray it for ourselves.

God and Myself

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,

Thy understanding is unsearchable and infinite,

Thy arm cannot be stayed,

Thy agency extends through limitless space,

All works hang on they care,

With thee time is a present now.

Holy is thy wisdom, power, mercy, ways, works.

How can I stand before thee

with my numberless and aggravated offences?

I have often loved darkness,

observed lying vanities,

forsaken thy given mercies,

trampled underfoot thy beloved Son,

mocked thy providences,

flattered thee with my lips,

broken thy covenant.

It is of thy compassion that I am not consumed.

Lead me to repentance, and save me from despair;

Let me come to thee renouncing, condemning, loathing myself,

but hoping in the grace that flows even to the chief of sinners.

At the cross may I contemplate the evil of sin, and abhor it,

look on him whom I pierced,

as one slain for me, and by me.

May I never despise his death by fearing its efficacy for my salvation.

And whatever cross I am required to bear,

let me see him carrying a heavier.

Teach me in health to think of sickness,

in the brightest hours to be ready for darkness;

in life prepare me for death.

Thus may my soul rest in thee, O immortal and transcendent one,

revealed as thou art in the Person and work of thy Son,

the friend of sinners.

(page 39)

Friends, if you know God's mercy and compassion, would you please remember me in prayer Saturday morning. My desire is to be God's vessel and only speak words that are from Him.

Pray for MOM

Hey Friends,

If you know my mom, would you please pray for her? This afternoon she was on a lawn mower and it flipped while she was riding it. In a panic, she jumped off to avoid the mower but broker her fall with her hand.

As the radiologist said, "She's crushed her radius." She is in a splint until Monday, at which point she will hear if she will need surgery or not. She is in severe pain, and I'd appreciate prayers for her.

On a funny note, my mom is over sixty years old and THIS IS HER FIRST BROKEN BONE! I told her I thought that was probably a record. Let me know if you know a person that could beat it!

Finally, I am always amazed at how God works everything out for HIS plans. This weekend Reid is supposed to be gone to a work conference, but God worked it out for him to stay here! I was supposed to be in Nashville with Mason at his competition, but God worked it out for me to stay here. (Actually, because of my illness this past week! A blessing in disguise!) Therefore, Reid was able to keep the boys, and I was able to be with my mom at the hospital! My parents were supposed to have the boys this weekend, but God worked everything out! So thankful!

Update (4/21/10) - Mom had surgery today. She has a metal plate in her arm and it will require elevation for the next several days. She is home now, and recovering. It's a 2-3 month recovery, so prayers are still appreciated. Thank you!

A Few Reasons Why I LOVE Teaching

Why do I LOVE teaching at Thursday Connection? Because the students I teach me more than I will ever be able to teach them! Look at the compassion, generosity, and love of these precious students of mine! I am so blessed!

These get well greetings arrived from my students - two even came in my mailbox! I feel so loved! Thank you Rebekah, Chloe and Olivia for sending such special notes. It is an honor to be your teacher and your heartfelt words of encouragement brought me much JOY! Thank you!
Thank you also to everyone who completed the optional assignment of writing a letter to my friend. She will be blessed by your words, and I know God is smiling because each of you chose to encourage her with a special letter! Thank you!

A few weeks ago, I blogged about a special young lady who wanted to help us with our adoption. She'd been setting aside money in a Mason jar, and Thursday she sent it home with Mason. Do you know how much this child blessed us with? $51.00! $51.00!!! Can you believe it? What an incredible gift from the heart of a young lady walking with Christ! Thank you Grace for your gift of LOVE to our yet-to-be-known-to-us little one waiting in Africa. What a sacrificial gift from your heart to the heart of another. Words can not thank you enough for your help in bringing our child home! Thank you!

My plans are to continue filling the jar with our loose change (and bills) until our adoption is complete. Then we will refill it for others and it will be our "Pass It ON" jar so that we may pass on the gift of LOVE you have given us.

The amount of Grace's generous gift is very significant, and I will write more about it in another post! God astounds us with HIS faithfulness in HIS provision!

I am so blessed! Thank you for your sweet gifts of encouragement!

"Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble." Isaiah 35:3

Why Boys NEED Bracelets

Tonight I've finally found a moment to jot a quick post. Sitting down at my computer, my mind was still churning with everything I wanted to say. There was so much I wanted to share...

Then, in walks Reid laughing and pulling me up from the computer chair. "Robin, go look at our toilet!"

Let me tell you that any woman with boys knows this is NOT something you ever want to do! Frightfully, from past experience, I backed away from Reid's request! He continued, "Seriously, you must come see this. It's really funny!"

I opened the door knowing Franklin was in the shower. His bracelets greet me as, "Go get the camera!" tumbled out of my mouth...

So, in case you've been wondering...that's why boys need bracelets!

This was the same hand that performed the potty decoration, wearing his art tools! Yes, America, he is holding the tooth he just pulled in his dirty hand! Yes, this IS the same son who used a garbage wastebasket as an Easter basket to hunt for eggs!Franklin, a.k.a. "The Potty Artist" and "Holey Mouth"

Still handsome as ever...

Oh, I love the antics of boys! Priceless!

April 13th - Steams in the Desert

Sometimes the Lord hedges in our ways. Today is such a day for me.

My illness seems to be worse today. I've been running a fever, my throat has certainly not improved, my stamina weakened - possibly felt stronger yesterday due to the steroid shot, and earlier today I had a short moment of blacking-out. Fifteen minutes is about my maximum time out of bed, so I'll try to transfer my thoughts quickly.

In short, tonight the boys' band will be playing for our Perspectives class and I really want to be there. This will be their first time playing for someone besides the homeless of Water Angels, the kids of our church, or the youth at Club 180. This will also be their first mainstream adult audience to lead in worship. This will also be their first time to play "Glory to God" as a band. This will also be the first time I have missed them play...

A few minutes ago, I joined their practice session and they gave me a personal concert previewing the songs they will be playing in a few hours. I cried as I listened to the words, "Take my life and let it be...All for you...and for your glory...Take my life and let it be Yours!" I realized this is a day when I am surrendering my desires by the way hedged in by Him. Oh, how I am tired of feeling so lousy. Oh, how I long to be there tonight.

At the end of the practice, Weston dashed quickly out of the room. I followed him and found him wiping his eyes. After some coaxing he told me the reason he was crying was because he wanted me to be there. What can a mother say? I promised to be with them through my prayers. My heart will certainly be there!

After a few moments of self-pity as I'm rearranging commitments for the week, and realizing I'll miss this evening due to this crazy sore throat; I picked up my favorite book and read the entry for today. I had to smile at the words, because here I am without a voice and being forced to rest...

I laid it down in silence,
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me -
A resting time.
The Master's voice had called me
To rest apart;
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed in my heart.

I took the rest and stillness
From his own hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He had planned.
How often we choose labor,
When He says, "Rest" -
Our ways are blind and crooked;
His way is best...

-Selected
Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman, April 13th

If you read this, please pray for the boys tonight. May they lead well in the worship this evening and may their music help draw hearts toward our Almighty God.

UPDATE A WEEK LATER (4/21/10): The boys were amazing - according to people I talked to in class last night. One girl told me that it was one of the most impactful worship experiences she'd ever had. She said it was incredible having children lead the hearts of adults in worship! Reid also told me that after the boys played, several people came up to pray for them. They prayed and afterwards a lady told Reid she had a vision while praying for them. As she was praying, she saw a bright white light from heaven come down on top of each of their four heads. She didn't "define" it, but I hope it's the light of Jesus filling each of them to be His light here on earth. May God anoint them for His service.

As for me, I'm still not 100%, but striving to get there. My voice has returned, and already I'm tired of listening to it! The peace and quiet were enjoyed.

Top Ten Strep Throat Lessons

Today I was told that more than likely I have Strep throat - strain A. The other possibility is a horrible virus that has given me a killer sore throat. One of these two is the culprit, and I'm not kidding when I say my throat literally feels like it's on fire! It hurts to swallow. It hurts to move my neck. It's excruciatingly painful to talk. However, God's used this to teach me a few life lessons today:

1.) The son that butts head with me the most, Franklin, is unbelievably compassionate. Today he has made me hot tea, a smoothie, and brought me water while I've been curled up on the couch. I've missed out on seeing this side of him because I tend to focus on our disagreements.

2.) My quiet son, Weston, was immediately caring for me by bringing me hot soup to the bedside for dinner. I realized he's so steady and willing. Sometimes, here too, I focus on the things that are not eternally important, losing sight of his precious heart.

3.) My mom willingly rearranged her day so she could drive Mason to his final rehearsal for DI before the State Tournament this weekend. I want to be a mom like that!

4.) I've found that the boys will come quickly when summoned by a ringing bell or clapping hands. (Why doesn't that work when I'm hollering for them to come home?)

5.) Without my voice, I realize I have not "raised my voice" at all to the boys. For three days! God's shown me what this house would sound like without my rackling voice fussing over things that do not matter!

6.) Amazingly, I found a quiet, but audible, scratchy voice to talk with some neighbors about some in appropriate words that were being tossed around in the backyard. (I think perhaps they thought I lost my hearing and not my voice.) My preference would have been to stay in bed, but I've been asking God to move me out of complacency, and that's how He did it today!

7.) I've found that I enjoy the quiet. It's peaceful, and my time with the Lord has been sweet without the distraction of "what I want to say next" going through my head. I've been able to focus completely on Him.

8.) I realize how much I am procrastinating by typing this blog post, because I have something that I promised to send out to my English class and have not done it. I will. I will. As soon as I finish this post and "ring" the boys inside for showers. Shame on me for doing this first!

9.) Even with a throat that feels like I am swallowing cut glass, I realize that I can still praise my great God for being who He says He is. The Mighty Prince of Peace, The Everlasting Father, The Creator of the Universe, The Great I AM, The Holy Comforter, The Only Sustainer, My Saviour, My Lord, My God who loves little, tiny, me.

10.) There are other ways to proclaim God's goodness besides my voice. Since I have none, I'm using this post to proclaim:

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news;

Lift up your voice (or blog post) with strength,

O Jerusalem, herald of good news;

Lift it up, fear not;

Say to the cities of Judah,

"Behold your God!"

Isaiah 40:9

Bring YOU Home

We will come to bring you home...we are all waiting...

The Worship Arts Pastor of our church, Greg, just sent me this video (link below). Honestly, I just sat at the computer and cried. My eyes were full because I felt like I was seeing our child(ren?? - not sure yet) on the screen. Somewhere across the vast ocean is another member of our family. It's amazing how God welds your heart to someone you have never seen. I think this emotion will become stronger as we progress in the adoption process. Right, Kristie?

May this video minister to you, and perhaps pull your heart to help one of the 147 million orphans in the world today.

Aaron Ivey - Amos Story

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—

this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

God places the lonely in families;

he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."

Psalm 68:5-6 NLT

It is the HEART OF GOD to place the deserted in families...

South Korea Bound

Mathiang is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, and if you are unfamiliar with his story and his place in our life, you might wish to read a bit of his history on some older posts.

1.) Passed test for US Citizenship

2.) Citizenship

3.) Celebrating Citizenship

4.) How God's Opened Our Hearts Through Mathiang

Now, guess what God has planned for Mathiang's summer?

Mathiang is now attending Maryville College and doing fantastic. (3.5 GPA!) His major is International Business and he attends church with my sister, Kelly's, family at Fairview UMC. The congregation at their church has reached out to Mathiang tremendously and the pastor has fallen in love with him.

Dr. Russell (the pastor) approached Mathiang on Sunday and asked him about his plans for the summer. When Mathiang responded that he didn't have any, Dr. Russell informed Mathiang that he was leading a mission trip to South Korea this summer and he wanted Mathiang to come with him. He also told Mathiang that he would take care of all of the expenses for the trip!

Amazing! God has miraculously provided for all of Mathiang's needs upon coming to Knoxville and NOW God's providing travel to other nations for Mathiang! God is doing so much all around us!

With Mathiang's story, our adoption, close family members that are considering international adoption, dear friends also adopting from Ghana, things happening on the international missions front, and everything God is stirring in our hearts, I can only stand in wonder of all that God is doing in His world...

Look at the nations and watch—

and be utterly amazed.

For I am going to do something in your days

that you would not believe,

even if you were told.

Habakkuk 1:5

Family Time!

We finally arrived at our family Easter celebration about 5:00 pm. Sadly, my grandmother and other family members had already left, but the immediate family stuck around until we came. What blessing to end our day at my parents home. This is our family Easter picture 2010!

By reading the next few posts, it's easy to assume that our family does lots of Easter egg hunts. However, this was the first one for the kids specifically to participate in. All of the cousins had patiently waited until we rolled in for the family egg hunt. Mom supplied all of the kids with baskets, and they raced out the door once the eggs were hidden.

After the egg hunt ended, I went into the house and found a basket with a handle filled with trash. As I was looking at the pictures, I realized what happened. Evidently Franklin thought if he had a LARGE WASTEBASKET he would be able to fill it with more eggs than a regular Easter basket! Boys will be boys! Yes, this was a wastebasket from the bathroom! Ugh! Where do they come up with things like this???

Many years ago, my parents started the tradition of hiding loose change in the eggs for our annual Easter Egg hunt. I think my sisters and I were in high school at the time, and losing our fervor to find Easter eggs stuffed with candy. But money? Well, that's another story! In fact, all of the married couples participated until the children were born. Can't you picture Reid and I hunting for eggs after we were married? Too funny!

Now, we all bring the eggs filled with loose change. Prize Eggs contain $1 - $5. Braden was the big winner this year. He came home with $8.54! Below the cousins are counting their loot!

Usually, Dad hides an egg in his pocket, under his hat, tucked in his sock, etc... but this year... Dad decided to see which grandchild would be willing to stick an egg covered in saliva into their basket. Of course, it was one of our boys: Braden! As he was counting his eggs, he picked up this pick egg and stated, "Mom, this is the one Papaw had in his mouth!" Gross!

A cousin game of kickball captivates everyone! Eleven boys and Colby Grace - Twelve including Mathiang! Colby is such a great sport with all of her male cousins!

Few things are better than peaceful conversation on the porch and in the sunshine! What a special Resurrection Day! So many wonderful memories!

God's beautiful ending to this glorious day of celebration!

Our God is great!